[Monielena]

I've been a nurse for 7 years, but I'm currently new to the OR doing the 6 month RN internship. My time in the internship is up in January and I don't know what specialty to choose. What specialty are you in and how did you know it was right for you?

[Marie_LPN]

I actually float to different specialties, but i do a lot of time in orthopedics. I like it because you get to work with power tools, plates, screws, cables, nails, and heavy instruments. It absolutely fascinates me to see bones that are broken in so many pieces get put together with plates, screws, and cables. And i love total joint and spinal cases, plenty of tools to play with there, too. But orthopedics to me is a constant learning experience. We're all the time getting new tools and products to learn about.

[Rezidentura]

I'm all about Ortho, specifically Sports medicine. However, if I had a second choice it'd be Plastic surgery, I've had the most pleasant experiences in these services.

[CIRQL8]

For me, Urology is the best! I love endo-uroloical cases, robotic cases, open nephrectomy and prostatectomy, and cysto cases - I guess that I love all the urology cases! I also do some general, ENT, GYN and laparoscopy cases, with a plastic case here and there and an occasional simple ortho case. Except for eyes (they gross me out - I have come close to puking) I won't refuse a single case. My dept. does not do cardiothoracic, but in the past, I have done vascular (before vascular surgeons started solely in the CVOR). I operate the laser and cell saver as well. I like to know as much about the OR as I can. Sometimes it bites me in the butt (doing several different specialties and operating equipment), but I still love it.

[Jarnaes]

Ortho, baby, ortho!!!

[TracyB,RN]

Same spot here... Wanted to go to General for the experience so I could get more comfy before specializing in anything, but got put on the ENT team. I don't mind that, but I get moved around so much, there isn't time to really learn enough about my new "specialty." It's so aggravating. Plus, I RARELY, & I do mean RARELY, ever get to scrub.... UGHGHGH

[ortess1971]

I like all specialties except for GYN. I don't find it hard, just boring and after a day of dealing with some patients who have BAD personal hygiene and having to watch the OB-GYN's like hawks because they contaminate themselves and the field at the drop of a hat....Uhh, no thanks! Oddly enough, cysto doesn't bother me. I also love vascular, ortho and neuro.